Flagler Railroad Operation
Yes, the Flagler Railroad, also known as the Florida East Coast Railway's Key West Extension, did operate before it was destroyed by the hurricane.
The railroad was completed on January 22, 1912, and it began operating on the same day, with the first train arriving in Key West.
The railroad operated for over 23 years, providing a vital transportation link between the Florida Keys and the mainland.
Hurricane Destruction
On September 2, 1935, a devastating hurricane, known as the Labor Day Hurricane, struck the Florida Keys, destroying much of the railroad and killing over 400 people.
The hurricane's powerful winds and storm surge destroyed many of the railroad's bridges, trestles, and tracks, making it impossible to repair.
The railroad was eventually replaced by the Overseas Highway, which was built using many of the railroad's original bridges and routes.